Hewlett Point Park’s beach on Hewlett Bay is a relaxing place to spend some time with family and friends.

Summer’s waning days are a time when many of us feel wistful — as school doors prepare to reopen and that relaxed, less hectic pace gives way to the stresses of work, carpool, schedules and the general demands of our daily lives.

There’s still time to enjoy what’s left of the season and revel in that fleeting late August glow that Mother Nature provides. Our local parks are just the place to unwind and enjoy this time of year. Our communities are full of these hidden treasures that will soothe our soul and provide a respite from our rounds of back-to-school chores and the busy slate of activities ahead.

“With summer winding down and the first day of school around the corner, take a moment and enjoy the opportunity to relax with friends and family in one of Nassau County’s 30 beautiful parks,” said County Executive Edward Mangano. “In Grant Park you can take a walk, ride a bike, jog, play ball, go fishing and follow up all of these activities with a picnic. How about games of tennis, handball, football or soccer, or maybe even a round of golf at North Woodmere Park? You can also jump into the Olympic-sized pool for that last lap of the season.”

The many local parks nearby are an outstanding feature of living here on the south shore. Each has its own special appeal.

Bay Park’s 96 acres, bordering Hewlett Bay and the East Rockaway Channel, is known for pristine views amid its nine-hole golf course, putting green, and clubhouse. Its athletic fields are a popular spot to pursue your favorite pastime — whether it be baseball, softball, soccer, football, or even cricket. Or cast off from the fishing dock (open year round), or do some biking or jogging along one of the many trails. Kids enjoy the outdoor roller rink and playground.

And it offers one of the few dog runs in the area (the others being in Lido Beach’s Nickerson Park and in Valley Stream’s).

Nearby, East Rockaway’s Hewlett Point Park is a favorite among beach-goers. The small park, also on Hewlett Bay, is a relaxing place for families in particular, who enjoy its calm beach and pool complex for adults and kids, along the playground, basketball courts and concession stand.